Butterfly Populations in Peril: What the Latest Count Means for Our Landscapes
- Sep 21, 2024
- 5 min read
At Wade in the Water Landscape & Irrigation, we pride ourselves on working with nature to create beautiful, sustainable outdoor environments for our clients in the greater Jackson, Mississippi area.
As part of that commitment, we’re always looking at trends in our local ecosystem, from the plants we recommend to the pollinators we encourage.
One of the most important—and increasingly vulnerable—pollinators we track is the butterfly.
Written By: Shane Wade, The Happy Horticulturist
Hello, readers! I’m Shane Wade, and I want to welcome you to ‘The Happy Horticulturist,’ the official blog of Wade in the Water Landscape & Irrigation.
Here, we dig into the world of gardening, landscaping, and irrigation, unearthing tips, insights, and inspiration to help you create and maintain a beautiful and thriving outdoor space.
Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, our blog, ‘The Happy Horticulturist’ is your go-to resource for all things horticulture.
Read on below to learn the latest on where we stand with our beautiful butterfly pollinators.
Recently, the North American Butterfly Association (NABA) released the results of its annual Butterfly Count, shedding light on trends across the United States.
The findings are critical not only to nature enthusiasts but also to landscape professionals like us, as butterflies are key indicators of a healthy environment.
Let’s take a look at what this year's report tells us and the potential impact on our landscapes and gardening practices.
Key Findings of the Latest Butterfly Count Report
The 2023 Butterfly Count revealed both positive and concerning trends:
1. Monarch Numbers Still Declining
Despite extensive conservation efforts, the Monarch butterfly, one of the most iconic species in North America, continues to struggle.
While numbers showed a small uptick in some areas, the overall population remains well below historical levels.
Monarchs face challenges from habitat loss, pesticide use, and climate change.
2. Regional Species Showing Mixed Results
Species like the Eastern Tiger Swallowtail showed stable populations in certain regions, while others, such as the Pipevine Swallowtail, saw slight increases.
Unfortunately, several lesser-known species like the Regal Fritillary have shown significant declines in population across much of their range.
3. Butterflies Responding to Climate Shifts
Warmer temperatures and changing weather patterns are having an impact on migration patterns and breeding seasons.
In some northern regions, butterflies are appearing earlier in the year, while some southern populations are dwindling due to extreme heat.
4. Positive Impact of Pollinator Gardens
One encouraging finding is that butterfly populations are thriving in areas where pollinator-friendly gardens and landscapes have been established.
Homeowners and businesses incorporating native plants that provide nectar and habitat are helping to create vital safe havens for these delicate pollinators.
Why Butterflies Matter for Landscapes
Butterflies are not just pretty visitors to our gardens—they play a crucial role in pollination.
Alongside bees, they help pollinate many of the flowering plants that are essential to both agriculture and natural ecosystems.
“Without healthy butterfly populations, we risk losing much more than just their vibrant beauty.”
Reduced pollination can affect everything from the fruits and vegetables we grow to the flowers that bring color and life to our yards.
How the Report Impacts Landscape Design in Zone 8b
In Mississippi’s Zone 8b, where Wade in the Water Landscape & Irrigation operates, we’re seeing firsthand the importance of supporting butterfly populations.
The report highlights several action steps we can take to promote butterfly health in our landscapes:
1. Make Native Plants A Priority
Native plants are essential for butterflies, providing food, shelter, and breeding grounds.
Species like milkweed, which is critical for Monarchs, and nectar-rich blooms such as coneflowers, goldenrod, and black-eyed Susan should be prioritized in gardens and commercial landscapes.
2. Reduce Pesticide Use
Pesticides, especially those containing neonicotinoids, are harmful to butterflies and other pollinators.
We advocate for responsible pest management, including organic and integrated pest management (IPM) practices to minimize harm to butterflies while still protecting plants.
3. Create Pollinator-Friendly Habitats
Incorporating butterfly-friendly elements like flowering shrubs, butterfly houses, and water sources can help create a sanctuary for these pollinators.
We encourage homeowners to leave portions of their landscape “wild,” with minimal mowing and trimming, to provide safe zones for butterfly activity.
4. Climate-Resilient Landscaping
With changing weather patterns, it’s essential to design landscapes that can withstand fluctuations in temperature and precipitation.
By focusing on drought-tolerant, native plants and smart irrigation systems, we can help protect not only butterflies but also the long-term health of your landscape.
Our Role in Promoting Butterfly Health
At Wade in the Water, we’re committed to making landscapes that don’t just look good but also do good.
“As we design, install, and maintain outdoor spaces, we’re incorporating elements that support butterfly populations and the broader ecosystem.”
From selecting the right native plants to employing eco-friendly practices, we’re taking actionable steps to ensure that our landscapes in the metro-Jackson area remain beautiful, functional, and butterfly-friendly.
If you’re interested in learning more about how you can make your landscape a haven for butterflies and other pollinators, contact us at Wade in the Water Landscape & Irrigation.
Together, we can create outdoor spaces that contribute to the environment while enhancing the beauty of your property.
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SOURCE:
North American Butterfly Association Annual Butterfly Count Report 2023
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CONTACT US TODAY!
The experts at Wade in the Water Landscape & Irrigation are are happy to design, install, maintain, update, or upgrade your Pollinator Garden, ensuring that it suits your needs, goals, and budget.
“We have the expertise, experience, and equipment to handle any landscape, lawn care, or irrigation project, big or small.”
CONTACT Wade in the Water Landscape & Irrigation to schedule an ON-SITE ESTIMATE APPOINTMENT.
LET’S GET SOCIAL, BUTTERFLY!
By staying informed about trends like those revealed in the latest Butterfly Count, we can continue to be responsible stewards of the environment while delivering the stunning landscapes you’ve come to expect from Wade in the Water Landscape & Irrigation.
We welcome all of our “social butterfly” readers to stay in the loop with the latest on all things “Zone 8b” by connecting with us and following us on our social media channels!
🦋 Flutter on over to our Link Tree page to connect with Wade in the Water Landscape & Irrigation on social media HERE.
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Thank you for reading our blog, and stay tuned for more tips, trends, updates, insights, and news coming soon from Wade in the Water Landscape & Irrigation’s Blog:
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